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Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Deleted Scene: The Secret Slipper

There was one deleted scene in "The Secret Slipper" that I kind of liked. A lot. But it was in the first draft (read: when Raoul knew all along that Ellia was alive and had given up the search until a fresh lead came in; yep, there was a very good reason the story changed). I tried finding a place for it in the new edition, but it just wouldn't fit. You will notice some of the thoughts made it into the final draft, but the scene in its entirety didn't. I really liked the exchange of the unnamed woman and Raoul. Who knows? I may use it in another story. But it didn't make it to Slipper.

For the readers who've read "The Secret Slipper," please note character changes from first draft:

Nele is Nes

Gale is Galien

Reynold is Jolin

Yeah. Characters changed a lot. ;) I was still trying to figure out who was who in my mind.

So...read along for my rough-draft deleted scene. Enjoy! :)

~*~*~

It was like repeating
a nightmare. He hadn't come out to town to search, but he couldn't keep his
eyes off the ground…or, to be more specific, observing the step pattern of
every girl and young lady that passed by him.

What is the likelihood of childhood
deformities healing themselves? The thought plagued him, just like it had
years ago. His mind brought up all of the information that he had put away as
soon as Belle had entered his life. But instead of urging him forward in his
search, it haunted his every step. Solid, steady steps that his daughter may
never have.

Gale walked up
to Raoul. "M'lord, Reynold said you sent for me?"

Raoul scowled at
him. "As if I would talk in public."

"I beg your
pardon, m'lord. Shall I call the carriage?"

"Aye."

Raoul waited
until they were settled in the plush cushions, with the curtains pulled shut
before he leaned forward to begin the discussion. "We are going to Nele's."

Gale tilted his
head. "Are you certain, m'lord?"

"Aye."

"Will you
reopen cases with all former servants?"

Raoul leaned
back and let out a sigh. "I think not."

"Why
Nele?"

"He left
before I could question him. I feel he could be hiding something."

"As if he
would speak now." Gale crossed his legs and rested his hands on them.
"May I ask why you requested me?"

"You know
him. Reynold does not."

"And you
believe this shall help?"

"Aye. While
I discuss, I would like for you to analyze him. You have a discerning eye. Is
he telling the truth or not?"

Gale reached out
his hand and pulled back the curtain, staring at the moving scenery. "And
if he refuses to give any information?"

"Then we
shall take the following step needed."

The carriage
fell silent and miles crept past. When it slowed to a stop, Raoul didn't wait
for the footman to dismount before he jumped to the ground. A row of ramshackle
cottages cluttered the countryside.

"You are
certain he's here?"

"Silence,
Gale. I asked you to accompany me, not question my methods."

"Yes,
m'lord."

Raoul straightened
and walked to the first house, displaying the authority he possessed. He
stopped himself before pounding on the door. It would likely fall down under
the force of his knocks. He tapped the doorframe.

"I didna'
ask for no company," a harsh feminine voice called out.

"I have
just one question," Raoul said, putting a tight clip to his voice.

"The walls aren't too thin to be asking
out there. What is it?"

"Can you
tell me which cottage belongs to Nele?"

A pause.

"That was
my one question," Raoul prompted.

"Five
houses yonder. If he's home."

"And if
he's not home?"

"Your one
question is spent up."

Raoul spun away
from the door, barely hearing Gale give the lady a thank you for him. At the
cottage a few steps away, Raoul gave the same gentle tap. No answer.